I am currently seeking essays for a collection on the relationship betweentwentieth African American writers and the leftist movement. Black Writersand the Left will be an inquiry into ideology and aesthetics. The book willbe published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing in 2009.

During the early half of the twentieth century, Marxist political theoriesoffered many African Americans an empowering way to view themselves inrelation to society. Marxist philosophies spoke of an equality that had notbeen achieved in America. They provided their adherents with a framework inwhich to begin the project of affecting lasting social change and creatinga truly inclusive democracy. Many black writers found themselves drawn toMarxism during this period. Within the boundaries of Marxist philosophies,black writers could explore the relationship between racism and capitalismin previously untried ways. African American intellectuals who wereinvolved with leftist movements during the early part of the twentiethcentury included Claude McKay, Chester Himes, Richard Wright and RalphEllison.

The essays in this collection will shed light on the results of theseencounters. Essays which focus on form and narrative are highly encouraged.Proposals from both emerging and established scholars are welcome.

Please send 250 - 350 word abstracts for proposed essays and a CV tokristin_moriah_at_elf_mail_mcgill_ca by December 15, 2008. Complete draftsof selected essays will be due by March 1, 2009.